L'Atelier Surrogates

Brand Overview

History of the Brand: L’Atelier Surrogates was created by Pete Johnson of Tatuaje fame, in collaboration with Klyde Warren of Eladio Diaz Cigars. The brand was introduced to offer a unique blend of Nicaraguan tobaccos, focusing on a more accessible price point while maintaining high quality. It represents a creative outlet for Johnson, allowing him to explore different tobacco profiles outside of his main Tatuaje line.

Founding Year: 2012

Overall Reputation in the Cigar Industry: L’Atelier Surrogates has quickly gained respect for delivering complex flavors at a more affordable price. The Brand is often praised for its consistency and the innovative approach to blending. Critics and enthusiasts appreciate the nuanced profiles that cater to both novice and seasoned smokers. It’s seen as a testament to Pete Johnson’s ability to craft exceptional Cigars beyond his flagship brand.

History

Release Date: October 2012

L’Atelier Surrogates was launched as a side project for Pete Johnson, allowing him to experiment with different Tobacco combinations. “I wanted to do something different, something that would allow me to play with tobaccos in a way that I couldn’t with Tatuaje,” Johnson has said. The line was well-received, with its first release, the Surrogates Le Fumée, earning accolades for its unique flavor profile and construction.

L’Atelier Surrogates Attributes

Concept & Inspiration: The concept behind L’Atelier Surrogates is to provide a platform for Pete Johnson to explore new blends without the constraints of his established Tatuaje brand. The inspiration comes from the desire to offer a cigar that’s both accessible and complex, appealing to a broader audience while still delivering the quality expected from Johnson.

General Characteristics: Medium to full body, rich complexity, well-balanced, smooth draw, excellent construction

Tasting Notes: Dark chocolate, espresso, leather, spice, hints of fruit

Notable L’Atelier Surrogates Ratings

• Surrogates Le Fumée, 92, Cigar Aficionado
• Surrogates La Mission, 91, Cigar Journal

Summary: L’Atelier Surrogates has been critically acclaimed for its quality and flavor profile, with ratings indicating a high level of satisfaction among Cigar enthusiasts. The cigars are noted for their complexity and balance, making them a favorite for those seeking a rich smoking experience.

Tobacco Details

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Aging Process and Notes: The tobacco is aged for a minimum of 3 years, ensuring a mellowing of flavors and a smoother smoke.

Strength Estimate: Medium to Full

Production and Quality

Manufacturing: Hand-rolled

Quality Checks: Each cigar undergoes a rigorous quality control process, including visual inspection, draw test, and a final burn test to ensure consistency and quality.

Unique Packing

L’Atelier Surrogates cigars come in boxes with a unique, artistic design, reflecting the creative spirit of the brand.

Who Will Appreciate L’Atelier Surrogates?

Target Audience: Smokers looking for a high-quality cigar at a more accessible price point, fans of Tatuaje, and those interested in exploring Nicaraguan tobaccos.

Pricing Strategy: Positioned as a mid-tier cigar, offering premium quality at a more Affordable price than Tatuaje’s top lines.

Type of Smoker: Experienced smokers who appreciate nuanced flavors, but also suitable for new smokers looking to explore complex profiles.

Pairings

• Single malt Scotch
• Espresso or strong coffee
• Dark chocolate

Conclusion

L’Atelier Surrogates stands out as a creative endeavor by Pete Johnson, offering a blend of accessibility and complexity. The brand has carved a niche for itself with its unique flavor profiles and consistent quality, appealing to a wide range of cigar enthusiasts. Its reputation for delivering a rich, satisfying smoke at a reasonable price makes it a compelling choice for both new and seasoned smokers.

FAQ:

• Q: Where can I buy L’Atelier Surrogates cigars?

  A: You can purchase L’Atelier Surrogates cigars at Hiland’s Cigars, known for their excellent customer service, fast shipping, and Discount Prices.

• Q: Are L’Atelier Surrogates cigars suitable for beginners?

  A: Yes, while they offer complex flavors, their balanced profile makes them approachable for Beginners looking to explore beyond basic blends.

• Q: How should I store L’Atelier Surrogates cigars?

  A: Store them in a humidor at 65-70% humidity to maintain their quality and flavor.

• Q: What makes L’Atelier Surrogates different from Tatuaje?

  A: L’Atelier Surrogates allows Pete Johnson to experiment with different tobacco profiles at a more accessible price point, offering a unique smoking experience distinct from Tatuaje’s established lines.

• Q: Can I find L’Atelier Surrogates in different sizes?

  A: Yes, L’Atelier Surrogates come in various vitolas, allowing smokers to choose according to their preference for size and smoking time.